Ruidoso flooding triggers response from New Mexico National Guard, El Paso firefighters
The village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, was forced to evacuate for the second time in three weeks. This time, flash flooding pushed residents out of their homes.
Leather Works owner Edward Jeremias spoke to the Albuquerque Journal after Ruidoso issued evacuation orders Tuesday.
“To me, it was another heartbreak for this community to have to endure another flood,” EJ Leather Works owner Edward Jeremias said. “It seems like this town cannot have a break between the three fires this year and the flooding caused by the aftermath.”
People are also reading: Flash flood watch in Ruidoso as monsoon rains continue; more rain expected
New Mexico National Guard responds to Ruidoso flooding
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings along with severe thunderstorm warnings for several south New Mexico counties just before 7:30 p.m. MDT Tuesday. Slow-moving thunderstorms brought heavy rain and flash flooding in the South Fork Fire burn scar.
The situation became emergent Tuesday evening as potentially deadly flooding caused structures to collapse and vehicles to submerge in the floodwaters. Hail and a possible tornado were also reported in the area. As conditions escalated, the New Mexico National Guard responded to aid in evacuation efforts.
??#BREAKING: The New Mexico National Guard are helping folks evacuate as significant, life-threatening flooding has occurred with a reported tornado ????#Ruidoso | #NewMexico
?Currently, the New Mexico National Guard is helping folks evacuate as the National Weather Service… pic.twitter.com/kMOFdbaCbQ— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 10, 2024
The small town of Ruidoso, New Mexico is under its 5th Flash Flood Emergency in the last 20 days with many under evacuation right now due to life-threatening flooding.
?? Jesus Figueroa pic.twitter.com/2nme1ZB85m— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) July 9, 2024
Ruidoso: 'Get out and move to higher ground IMMEDIATELY!'
Severe flash flooding prompted Ruidoso to issue evacuation orders Tuesday. Residents were asked not to protect property or gather belongings and to leave the following areas:
Cedar Creek
Upper Canyon
Brady Canyon
Paradise Canyon
Hull Road
areas along the Rio Ruidoso
An evacuation center is available at the White Mountain Relief Center at 687 Hull Road, also called the White Mountain Sports Complex.
The village's news release also warns the flooding has caused several gas leaks. Residents are urged to stay away from gas smells and report conditions to Zia Natural Gas at 800-520-4277 or 575-378-4277.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue hitting the Ruidoso area throughout the week, with Wednesday's rainfall totals similar to Tuesday's.
El Paso Water Rescue continues aiding Ruidoso
The El Paso Fire Department's Water Rescue Team first responded to the Ruidoso area late last month.
The EPFD Water Rescue Team has been deployed to Ruidoso, NM to assist with the severe flooding. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
If you are in the area, be aware of your surroundings and heed the evacuation orders. pic.twitter.com/9JsuKXFkHl— El Paso Fire Department (@EPTXFire) June 30, 2024
The first responders continue aiding local residents trapped by the floodwaters. An Instagram post captured footage of the team trekking across a roadway amid fast-moving waters. The post claims the Water Rescue Team has made over 35 successful rescues.
Wildfires forced Ruidoso evacuations just weeks ago
Unfortunately, Ruidoso residents are all too familiar with the evacuation process. Just weeks ago, the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire ravaged thousands of acres and claimed at least two lives. While a few federal agencies, including the FBI, conducted an investigation and determined lightning had caused the South Fork Fire, the cause of the Salt Fire remains unknown.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: NM National Guard, El Paso firefighters respond to Ruidoso flooding
